If you think someone you know is being bullied or harassed there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Bullying and harassment are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the Respect@SOAS Policy Understanding the behaviours associated with bullying and harassment is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, which may include an abuse or misuse of power, through means that threaten, undermine, humiliate, denigrate, take advantage of, or injure the recipient. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation
Harassment may involve sexual harassment or be related to a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Find out more about sexual harassment.
Some forms of harassment are considered a Hate Crime. A hate incident or crime is any act of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular protected characteristic. Find out more on hate crime.
Think
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and are on campus you can call security on extension 555 from the internal black phones located by the photocopiers in reception or on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th floors. Alternatively visit the 24 hour security desk in the Brunei Gallery.
- If you are on public transport in London. You can report to TLF.
- What are bullying and harassment?It might be useful to think about what bullying and harassment are and how some of the behaviours are described.
Talk
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them.
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- Dignity Advisors. An advisor can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence. Advisors can talk to someone who is experiencing something, or someone who is supporting that person
Report
- Report and Support. Students and staff can anonymously report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system.
- University Procedure. If they choose to make a formal complaint to the University against a student or a member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Get Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm
- If you are worried or concerned find out more about how you can help them.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Student Advice and Wellbeing offers confidential help.